Creating Rock Texture in Watercolor – Inspired by a Cadillac Mountain Sunrise

Creating Rock Texture in Watercolor – Inspired by a Cadillac Mountain Sunrise
Painting light, contrast, and texture without overworking your layers

There’s something so grounding about rocks—especially when you’re sitting on a mountaintop, watching the sun rise over the ocean. Cadillac Mountain, in Acadia National Park, is one of my favorite places to soak in that stillness. The rocks there seem to hold the light in the most magical way—especially during those golden early hours.

In watercolor, though, rocks can be tricky. It’s easy to overwork them or make them feel flat. But with a few mindful techniques, you can add texture, contrast, and structure—without losing that loose, natural feel watercolor does best.

Watch the Tutorial on Youtube

Here are a few of my favorite ways to build texture in watercolor rocks: 

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1. Start with a strong value plan

Even before layering texture, the key is contrast. Identify where your darkest shadows and lightest hits will go. I usually begin with a light wash, then slowly build shadows using deeper colors like Payne’s Gray, Raw Umber, or even some subtle Indigo.

2. Layer slowly—glazing is your friend

Let each wash dry completely before adding more detail. Layering transparent glazes allows the natural watercolor granulation to show through, creating depth and subtle variation that reads like real rock.

3. Use dry brushing for rough texture

Once your surface is dry, use the side of a slightly damp brush to drag pigment across the paper. This catches the texture of the paper and creates broken marks—great for rough edges or weathered surfaces.

4. Lift to create light

Before a layer fully dries, you can lift pigment with a clean damp brush, tissue, or even a small scrubber. This helps create highlights or softer edges and mimics the unevenness of sunlit stone.

5. Try scraping or scratching (gently!)

For even more natural texture, use a palette knife or the end of your brush to gently scrape into the damp paint. It’s a great way to mimic cracks or mineral lines. Just go easy—too much can damage the paper.

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In my Sunrise Magic painting, I used a mix of all these techniques to build the rocky foreground while keeping the sky and distant landscape soft and atmospheric. The contrast between bold texture and misty light really helps the scene feel balanced and grounded. You can find the Supply list for this painting there as well. 

If you want a head start, I’ve included a traceable sketch and reference photo for this piece on my Patreon. The full tutorial walks through how I applied each technique in real time—plus how I added a little gold shimmer to catch the light.

But even if you’re not painting this exact scene, I hope this gives you a few new tools to explore. Rock textures are a beautiful way to bring structure into your landscapes—while still staying loose, expressive, and true to the spirit of watercolor.

Happy painting!
💛
Kellie

Painting Drama in Watercolor: Coastal Cliffs & Moody Skies

Painting Drama in Watercolor: Coastal Cliffs & Moody Skies

There’s something incredibly powerful about contrast—not just in color, but in emotion.

In this recent watercolor painting, I set out to capture that tense, dramatic moment just before a storm hits. You know the one—where the sky darkens, the air stills, and the cliffs seem to glow a little more intensely in the low light.

That contrast between light and dark, warm and cool, and calm and chaos became the heart of this piece.

What I focused on in this painting:

• A dramatic sky, built with layered washes and unexpected color shifts

• Rich orange and sienna undertones peeking through the landscape to add warmth and tension

• Scraping and lifting techniques to bring texture into the rocky cliff

• A moody, expressive style that’s more about feeling than precision

This kind of work is a great reminder that you don’t have to aim for perfection in watercolor to create something bold and memorable. Letting go of the details, working wet and loose, and trusting the medium can often lead to the most powerful results.

Want to see how it came together?

I walk you through the full process in my latest YouTube tutorial here. It’s beginner-friendly but full of expressive techniques you can carry into your own style.

Whether you’re learning to paint, teaching others, or looking for expressive, emotional artwork for your brand or projects, watercolor offers a beautiful way to tell stories through texture, color, and movement.

Thanks for being here—and I hope this painting inspires you to embrace a little drama in your own creative work.

💛
Kellie

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Tags:
#WatercolorTutorial #ExpressiveArt #CoastalMaine #KellieChasseFineArt #OnlineArtClasses #ArtLicensing #CreativeLearning #PatreonExclusive #PaintingWithEmotion #MoodyLandscapes

Loosen Up with Watercolors: Painting a Wildflower Field and Country Barn

Hey friends,

In this week’s tutorial, I dove into one of my favorite types of scenes to paint—loose wildflowers with a sweet little country barn (inspired by a wedding venue I visited!). If you're looking to loosen up your painting style, this one's for you.

This post is for anyone who's ever asked:

• “How do I stop overworking my paintings?”

• “Why does my watercolor look muddy?”

• “How do I paint loosely and still end up with something that feels finished?”

Let’s walk through a few tips I shared in the video:

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🖌️ 1. Start Loose—Stay Loose

One of the most common questions I get is how to keep things loose without losing form. My answer? Start loose and stay loose as long as possible. Trust the process and resist the urge to "fix" too early.

✏️ 2. Sketch Lightly

I use a mechanical drafting pencil (thanks to my husband’s military drafting days!) for a light sketch. If you mess up, go easy on your eraser—use a soft polymer or gum eraser to protect your watercolor paper.

🎨 3. Simple Supplies Are Enough

I painted this with:

• Fabriano 140 lb cold press paper (bright white, 100% cotton)

• Silver Black Velvet size 12 brush

• A handful of primary colors

You don’t need a ton of supplies. For years I used a 12-pan Winsor & Newton set and learned how to mix everything from that. Fancy brushes and paints can come later!

🌼 4. Embrace the Blooms and Happy Accidents

Whether you’re lifting clouds with a paper towel or splattering flowers with a loaded brush—let the watercolor do its thing. You’ll often get those magical little blooms when you least expect it.

🎨 5. Color Mixing: It’s OK to Mess Up

I had a few “oops” moments where things got muddy—like when yellow mixed with a red that leaned toward purple. It happens! Just keep layering, splattering, and adjusting.

🏠 6. Keep Structures Simple

The little red barn is more of a background shape. I used a light gray wash and added shadows while it was still wet to keep things soft and natural.

🧠 7. Get Out of Your Head

When I paint while FaceTiming my mom (like I did for this one), I tend to relax more and just play. It’s a great reminder to not overthink every stroke.

🖼️ 8. Layer in Details Last

Once the main washes are dry, I switch to a smaller brush and flick in details—like stems, darker shadows, and foreground flowers.

💬 9. Everyone’s a Rookie Sometimes

Even after 20+ years, I still make "rookie" mistakes. The key is not to let it stop you—just keep painting and learning.

🎥 10. Want the Full Tutorial?

You can find the full-length extended version of this tutorial, plus a printable traceable outline, over on my Patreon page.

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Whether you're just starting or you've been painting for years, the joy is in the process. Try letting go of the outcome, and just play with the paint.

Have questions or want to share your version? Drop a comment or tag me on social—I’d love to see it!

Happy Painting!
– Kellie 🎨💛

When to Leave It In… or Leave It Out – Watercolor Lessons from Monhegan Island, Maine

When to Leave It In… or Leave It Out – Watercolor Lessons from Monhegan Island, Maine

There’s a quiet kind of magic to painting coastal Maine — the way the light dances off the water, how the grass moves in the breeze, and the peaceful charm of those tucked-away island homes.

In my latest Patreon tutorial, I painted a scene from beautiful Monhegan Island, complete with ocean views, wildflowers, and a sweet little cottage. And right in front? Two Adirondack chairs — the kind that beg you to sit for a while and just be.

But here’s the thing… those chairs gave me trouble.

Original Painting in Etsy Shop

I traced them in to keep it simple, but since I painted the scene fairly small, they still got a bit lost. There just wasn’t enough room to include the detail I was hoping for — and they started to feel more like a distraction than part of the story.

Looking back, I probably should’ve outlined them with a fine Sharpie and added just a light wash — something to suggest them without needing much. But hey, that’s part of the process. We’re always learning.

And the beauty of being the artist?
You get to decide what stays and what goes. You’re not locked into the reference photo. You can simplify, shift, or completely change course if it helps tell the story you're aiming for.

So that’s exactly what I did: I painted the scene a second time.
This time? No chairs.

Just the view, the sky, the garden, and the stillness. It felt just as peaceful — maybe even more so. And it reminded me how freeing it is to paint something twice and let it evolve.

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💡 Artist Tip:
When painting small and dealing with detailed objects (like chairs or windows), simplify. Try outlining them with pen and using a soft watercolor wash instead of overworking tiny brush details.

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 Patreon-only tutorial, I share:
– Layering skies and coastal grasses in watercolor
– What made the chairs tricky, and how I handled them
– My choice to revisit the painting with a simpler version
– Encouragement to trust your own creative decisions

The full-length video, traceable sketch, and reference photo are available now for my Patreon members. If you're looking for a relaxing project and a bit of behind-the-scenes honesty, this one’s for you.

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Want to paint along with me?
Join me on Patreon where I share exclusive full-length tutorials, downloadable extras, and behind-the-scenes lessons from my watercolor journey:
👉 Patreon.com/KellieChasseFineArt

Mastering Rocks in Watercolor – My Top 5 Tips

Mastering Rocks in Watercolor – My Top 5 Tips

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a rocky shoreline wondering how to paint all that texture without turning your watercolor into mud… you’re not alone

Here are 5 quick tips from the session to help you rock your next rocky scene:

1. Dry Brush for Texture

Use a mostly dry brush with very little water to create the rough, uneven textures rocks are known for. It’s perfect for suggesting cracks, veins, and grit without overworking the surface.

2. Layer with Purpose

Start light and gradually build your darks. I used splattering and layering techniques to create depth — especially with cooler grays and warmer earthy tones mixed in.

3. Liner Brush Magic

A liner brush is your secret weapon for those fine, jagged lines and textures in the rocks. Try switching directions with your strokes and don’t aim for perfection — messy often looks more real! I love my new Lenbenzon Brushes for this. They have such a nice fine line and hold a lot of paint. If you are interested in them, they have offered up a coupon for my followers this month:  20% Off - Use Code: KELLIE here!

4. Add Contrast with Pen

Once everything is dry, come in with a fine point Sharpie to highlight some of the deeper cracks and crevices. This adds a beautiful bit of contrast and keeps the viewer’s eye moving.

5. Don’t Be Afraid of Splatter

Controlled splattering with a toothbrush or your finger can add some grit and natural variation. I used it a few times in this piece to really make the rocks feel rugged.

If you’re a Supreme Patreon member, the full replay is now up! I walk through each step, chat about color choices, and share the exact brushes and colors I used. If you’re not a member yet, I’d love to have you join us and paint along!

Painting the Coast of Maine : A Watercolor Day at Wolfe’s Neck State Park

Painting the Coast: A Watercolor Day at Wolfe’s Neck State Park

If you've ever wandered the trails at Wolfe’s Neck State Park in Freeport, Maine, you already know how special it is. The rocky shoreline, the way the trees bend toward the water, the bright green against that bold Atlantic blue—it’s one of those places that just asks to be painted.

This watercolor was inspired by one of my visits there. I always bring my sketchbook and a little paint kit with me, just in case the mood strikes (and at Wolfe’s Neck, it always does). On this particular day, the light was perfect. The tide was rolling in, and the green on the cliffs felt extra vibrant. I knew I wanted to capture that moment—the stillness mixed with the movement.

Original Painting Available in my Etsy Shop

I kept the painting loose and fresh, layering watercolor washes to build up those beautiful contrasts. A little pen and ink added some crisp edges and textures to the rocks. It’s one of those pieces that makes me feel calm every time I look at it, like I can hear the waves again.

If you’ve visited Wolfe’s Neck or just love Maine’s rugged coastlines, this one might speak to you too. It’s now available in my shop as a framed original, ready to hang. Perfect for anyone who needs a little piece of Maine on their wall.

And if you're curious how to paint places like this yourself, I have some beginner-friendly classes where I walk you through simple landscapes, layering techniques, and working with nature as inspiration. (Feel free to check those out on Patreon or my website! 

Have you ever been to Wolfe’s Neck? Or do you have a favorite coastal spot you’d love to see turned into a painting? I’d love to hear.

Stay creative,
Kellie

Painting the Atmosphere – Using Watercolor to Capture Light, Mood, and Movement

Painting the Atmosphere – Using Watercolor to Capture Light, Mood, and Movement

When most people think of watercolor, they picture florals, fruit, or maybe a still life on a sunny table. But what really inspires me is something a little less defined—atmosphere.

I love using watercolor to explore how light moves across a sky, how color shifts at dusk or dawn, or how a simple silhouette can tell a quiet story. There’s something powerful about suggesting mood rather than spelling everything out.

In a recent study, I painted two very different skies:

• One was full of bold, swirling clouds in deep violets and turquoise.

• The other—soft, minimal, and inspired by the Northern Lights—used just a few layers of quiet color and gentle movement.

Both reminded me of something I return to often in my teaching:

🎨 You don’t always have to paint “things.”
You can paint light. You can paint motion. You can even paint silence.

With watercolor, you have a tool that naturally lends itself to suggestion—flow, softness, and transparency are built in. You can use value shifts and contrast to hint at light. Use wet-on-wet to mimic fog or softness. Use lifting and dry brushing to give a sense of time or texture.

This approach to painting is as much about feeling as it is about form.

If you’re a creative, a teacher, or someone looking for new ways to express emotion through visual work, painting atmosphere is a beautiful path to explore. It’s something I love sharing through my classes and Patreon—not just how to paint, but why.

And if you’re in the worlds of creative education, wellness, or visual branding and want to explore collaborations, licensing, or custom commissions that lean into this softer, expressive side of watercolor—I’d love to connect.

Here’s to painting more than what we see—
Let’s paint what we feel. You can watch the Full Tutorial on YouTube and the extended one is available for Patreons. 

💛
Kellie

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Tags:
#AtmosphericArt #WatercolorMood #PaintingTheSky #KellieChasseFineArt #ArtLicensing #CreativeWorkshops #WatercolorTips #MindfulArt #OnlineArtClasses